Career Timeline of Youssef Zalal: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Youssef Zalal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Youssef Zalal is a Moroccan professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. As of July 15, 2025, he holds the #9 ranking in the UFC featherweight division, showcasing his skill and standing within the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 8, 2020: Victory over Austin Lingo at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Youssef Zalal made his UFC debut against Austin Lingo at UFC 247 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

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June 27, 2020: Victory over Jordan Griffin at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker

On June 27, 2020, Youssef Zalal faced Jordan Griffin at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker, securing a win via unanimous decision.

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August 8, 2020: Victory over Peter Barrett at UFC Fight Night

On August 8, 2020, Youssef Zalal fought Peter Barrett at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

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October 11, 2020: Loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC Fight Night 179

On October 11, 2020, Youssef Zalal faced Ilia Topuria at UFC Fight Night 179, losing the fight via unanimous decision after Seung Woo Choi withdrew and Ilia Topuria replaced him.

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February 6, 2021: Loss to Seung Woo Choi at UFC Fight Night 184

On February 6, 2021, Youssef Zalal faced Seung Woo Choi at UFC Fight Night 184, replacing Collin Anglin, and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

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June 5, 2021: Loss to Sean Woodson at UFC Fight Night

On June 5, 2021, Youssef Zalal faced Sean Woodson at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai, and lost the fight via split decision.

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August 13, 2022: Fight with Da'Mon Blackshear ends in draw

On August 13, 2022, Youssef Zalal's fight against Da'Mon Blackshear at UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz ended in a majority draw. Da'Mon Blackshear replaced Cristian Quiñonez who was forced out due to visa issues.

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August 25, 2022: Release from the UFC

On August 25, 2022, it was announced that Youssef Zalal had been released from the UFC.

November 18, 2022: Triumph over Edwin Chavez at Sparta 93

On November 18, 2022, Youssef Zalal triumphed over Edwin Chavez via TKO in the first round at Sparta 93, marking a strong comeback in the MMA circuit following his release from the UFC.

January 20, 2023: Victory over Jake Childers at SCL: Fight Night 14

On January 20, 2023, Youssef Zalal continued his winning streak by defeating Jake Childers by TKO in the first round at SCL: Fight Night 14 - King of Sparta Welterweight.

August 19, 2023: Victory over Vadim Zadnipryanyi at Sparta Combat League 98

On August 19, 2023, Youssef Zalal secured another victory by submitting Vadim Zadnipryanyi with an arm-triangle choke in the first round at Sparta Combat League 98.

March 23, 2024: Victory over Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 53

On March 23, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 53, replacing Gabriel Miranda, and won the bout by a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

August 10, 2024: Victory over Jarno Errens at UFC on ESPN 61

On August 10, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Jarno Errens at UFC on ESPN 61, winning the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round and earning a Performance of the Night award.

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November 2, 2024: Victory over Jack Shore at UFC Fight Night 246

On November 2, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Jack Shore at UFC Fight Night 246, winning the fight via an arm-triangle choke in the second round and earning another Performance of the Night award.

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